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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The spirit that Omakayas sees in her vision represents what?

2. The family travels to the woods to ________________.

3. Nokomis asks Omakayas if ____________ speak to her.

4. The ice breaking up on the lake means that the family ___________________.

5. What does Nokomis say speaks to her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Omakayas' preparation and attempts at her spiritual quest?

2. What preparations do Mama and Nokomis make for the family's food to get them through the winter?

3. What skill does Ten Snow have and what item does she make for her husband Fishtail?

4. What is the event that saved the family's bodies and the one that saved their souls according to Omakayas?

5. How does the author explore the themes of the relationship between humans and nature and Omakayas' journey of transformation?

6. Why does Omakayas go off on her own while the family is tapping the maple trees?

7. What happens to Omakayas after the smallpox deaths, and who is the one who is able to help her?

8. Why is Nokomis' story of a little muskrat especially pertinent for Omakayas?

9. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

10. What is Nokomis' advice to Omakayas regarding the bears?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of the smallpox epidemic that infiltrates the village. What does it represent for the Ojibwa Indians? What does the smallpox really represent in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Nokomis. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

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